Call Sifu Art Hugues (559) 213-6591

Combining karate, judo, jujitsu, kenpo, kung fu, eskrima and boxing, Kajukenbo incorporates and uses myriad of techniques to form a unique hybrid style of martial arts. The main components include: self-defense, body contact, take-downs and groundwork. Kajukenbo is intense, using hard, fast strikes to vital parts of the body, take-downs, and a range of joint and limb destruction methods. Groundwork is also a key part of the art, usually as follow-up to take downs.

Kajukenbo was developed in the 1940′s in Oahu, Hawaii, primarily for self-defense. It was introduced to help deal with local crime and to help the people defend themselves from Navy sailors who would get into drunkenly fights with the locals. Recognised as the founder of Kajukenbo, Sijo Adriano Emperado, lived a rough and rugged life on the back streets of Honolulu. His training in eskrima would later influence different aspects of kajukenbo as we know it today.

In 1962, Emperado was given the title of “Professor” and awarded his black belt, 10th degree by Professor Wong and Professor Lau-King of the Hawaii Chinese Physical Cultural Association, the oldest kung fu school outside the Shaolin Temple.

The founders of the Kajukenbo martial arts wanted it to be effective on the streets. Workouts emphasize cardio conditioning and strength training. Because the goal of the art is to be as effective as possible on the streets, the training has to be realistic. Our training focus on the practical techniques and traditional forms of Kajukenbo that was originally designed for actual street fights.

One has to experience pain before they can give it. You have to know what your technique can do. Sijo Adriano Emperado

Emphasizing weapons, fighting with blades, hardened-sticks and improvised weapons, eskrima is a deadly, combat proven, type of Filipino martial arts. Even though training begins with weapons, empty-hand methods are also core parts of the art as the weapon is basically an extension of the body.

Introduced to non-Filipino’s in 1521, eskrima was used in combat when Spanish invaders led by Ferdinand Magellan arrived to stake claim on the Philippine islands. During the invasion, native resistance fighters from the island of Mactan, armed with sticks, killed many of the Spanish including Magellan himself. After Magellan’s death, the Spanish prohibited the practice and teaching for eskrima, additionally prohibiting Filipinos from having and carrying full-sized swords.

Filipinos began to adapt eskrima to use different, and smaller, weapons. Eskrima fighters use a variety of fighting styles and weapons. Using whatever is available at hand as a weapon is a key part of what students are taught. The main training focus is in the repetition of the moves. Repeating/drilling the techniques over and over helps with speed gains and reaction times. Quick reaction and decision-making is stressed, along with the speed of strikes and counter-strikes.

Eskrima is one of the Philippines’ most popular and deadliest martial arts. It is the national sport of the Philippines, and has a very long history of combat use. Students are taught to train with weapons from the very beginning. This is a big difference form other martial arts that progress from empty-hand techniques to weapons training.

Joseph B.

I feel a lot like if I can't train, then what else is there?

Joseph B. Training Since the Beginning

Dimas B.

The best cardio work out you'll find anywhere!

Dimas B. Training Since Aug 2008

Robert H.

Intense cardio, like you say Sifu, when you're not training, someone else is training to kick your ass!

Robert H. Training Since Aug 2009

Neal P.

People talk about the weight they lose at Missing Link. I get to talk about the 15lbs I gained. Word is muscle weighs more than fat.

Neal P. Training Since Sep 2010

Valerie C.

I love the self defense training. I am dedicated to learning all that I can. It is just a life style for me. The cardio kicks ass!!!

Valerie C. Training Since 2008

I want all my students to learn and become better than me!

Kajukenbo, is the perfection of self-defense!

I've always been the warrior type, I will train until I pass-out. I've always been that way!

I care about my students more than i do their money.

I expect all my students to be honest, helpful and respectful.

Kajukenbo has everything!

Who's Next?

I don't tap!

Conquer or die!

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

Even if you fall on your face, you are still moving forward.

Sifu Art Hugues

Kajukenbo

I teach the Hawaiian MMA style known worldwide as Kajukenbo. It's known as a street effective combat system that is very realistic and intense. Our cardio training is rigorous but necessary. Kajukenbo combines karate, judo, jujitsu, kenpo, kung fu, eskrima and boxing. I teach the "Emperado True Method" of Kajukenbo representing Grandmaster Greg Harper, the Kajupit, and Sijo Adriano Emperado.